Research Symposia
The Research Symposium is held throughout the year to honor research in Process Work and related fields. It is meant as a gathering place for sharing and furthering our learning together. In this spirit, research may include formal or informal research projects, as well as ideas and visions for projects in the works. Presentations may also include experiences integrating Process Work in various contexts, as well as panels on topic areas that bring together many different fields and perspectives.
If you'd like to present research or a project you're working on, or if you have ideas/requests for topics please email Myriam at myriam.rahman@processwork.org
Dogs as Therapists
Heather Ohmart and Caroline Spark,
with Healey and Thistle
Sunday, June 10th, 2012
7-9pm
2049 NW Hoyt St
Portland, OR 97209
Cost: by donation (all proceeds go to the PWI Research Fund to help us build our library and other PW resources)
Caroline Spark and Heather Ohmart will present an overview of the power of the human-canine bond and the use of dogs in therapeutic settings. Heather will present case studies from her work with therapy dogs in a women's mental health unit, and with Healey and Thistle will offer hands-on experience of interacting with therapy dogs. Together we'll explore unique ways to engage and motivate clients and achieve goals using dogs as catalysts and therapeutic partners. This symposium is for anyone with general interest in the topic, as well as those with specific interest in how to incorporate a canine therapy team into their own practice.
Heather Ohmart, BA, has a certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy Activities and Learning, and is a certified dog trainer who specializes in raising and training puppies for service and therapy work. She runs the Canine Companions for Independence puppy raising program at a local correctional facility and volunteers in the mental health unit there with her therapy dogs, Healey and Thistle. Heather is interested in partnering with Portland area mental health professionals to develop innovative animal-assisted therapy programs.
Caroline Spark, PhD, is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. She worked for many years as a mental health practitioner, was on the faculty of the Process Work Institute, and remains a member of the Process Work learning community. Caroline has a special interest in training dogs for service and therapy work, and in developing services that foster the human-animal bond and enrich the lives of working dogs.
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The Research Symposium is held throughout the year to honor research in Process Work and related fields. It is meant as a gathering place for sharing and furthering our learning together. In this spirit, research may include formal or informal research projects, as well as ideas and visions for projects in the works. Presentations may also include experiences integrating Process Work in various contexts, as well as panels on topic areas that bring together many different fields and perspectives.
If you would like to present research or a project you are working on at a future symposium (or you have ideas/requests for topics) please e-mail Myriam at: myriam.rahman@processwork.org
